The Swedish Royal Wedding

Yesterday was a BIG day here in Stockholm!

Crown Princess Victoria married her former personal trainer Daniel Westling.
We were thrilled to be in the midst of it all cheering them on!

The flag says Say Yes!

Given the historical significance of such an event as well as the fact that I've never been anywhere near a royal wedding before combined with the fact that I've lived in Sweden for 12 years, I felt it important to figure out how to take part in this event. Fortunately for us, our friends, Sandra and Robert stumbled upon a great deal the night before the wedding.

Hurray for Sandra and Robert!

They scored tickets for a spot in one of the exhibit tents that were set up along the water front for all the pomp and circumstance that has been going on for weeks now. It was a terrace overlooking the water way where the newlywed couple would come by row boat at the end of their long cortege through town. This was our amazing view for the entire afternoon.Our tickets included one of the best vantage points, tables and chairs, plenty of space, heaters for when the evening chill came upon us, and food and drink. It was a major coup as we were able to truly enjoy the day in the comforts of a beautiful spot. The place had flat screen TV's set up all over the place so that we could also watch what was happening during the wedding and throughout town.
The wedding itself was beautiful and authentic. The clergy were looking grand in their vestments and the bride and the groom were sparkling, as brides and grooms do! When they each answered the Swedish equivalent of "I do" cheers and clapping erupted from the crowd! When sharing their vows, Daniel shed a tear, Victoria shed a tear, Queen Sylvia shed a tear...and OK, so did I! It was very cool to see that amidst all the huge ceremony of everything that was taking place, Daniel and Victoria were genuinely excited about being wed.

When the time finally came for the royal boat to arrive to our vantage point, the excitement in the air was electric. The jet flyover and the canons booming across the harbor created quite the celebratory environment. This boat, the Vasaorden was amazing. The rowing was in absolute precision and it was thrilling to see it come into view..Turned out we had a great perch and I'm pretty sure they both looked me right in the eye and waved! See them waving to us?!It was great being Swedish for a day and we were proud to wave our flags and cheer on the happy couple.We walked home after the events of the day in the midst of a beautiful summer June evening. This is the spot where they disembarked from the boat to greet the crowd and enter the palace for their grand reception.The guards were decked out in their finest and I loved the tassels that adorned their helmets for this special occasion.Here's the spot where Victoria and Daniel greeted the crowd before entering the palace.We shared the day with good friends who enjoyed celebrating with us. All of us were swept up into the joy of the day and we each made it memorable for all involved!The Royal Palace, bathed in the gorgeous long light of a June evening.

I am very happy that I got to be in this grand affair. It was a gorgeous day in Stockholm and I shall long treasure the memory of living here when Princess Victoria finally got her prince.I loved sharing this day with my prince to whom I am very happily married. It was a day to celebrate love and we did so in fine style.

The Royal Wedding

On Saturday, Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria will wed Daniel Westling in what is likely going to be remembered as the event of the decade! The whole affair has been nicknamed Love 2010. The Royal Couple's photograph can be found on anything and everything from plates to napkins to dishrags! The entire waterfront is filled with all kinds of fun exhibitions and activities to honor the lovely couple. Ikea really went to town, coining their own campaign entitled Tillsammans which means together in Swedish. They've set up an outdoor camping area on the waterfront and apparently it's totally booked up until they tear it down on Monday. They've also set up a replica of the Haga Slott, the castle where Victoria and Daniel will reside. Of course, they've decorated it with all Ikea decor and furnishings. It was truly brilliant. One of the better touches was walking into the Royal Library and having the World Cup game between Nigeria and Greece playing live on a flat screen TV! I also loved the fake fireplace playing on a computer screen in the sitting room. The whole set-up was so cozy! Those pillows would look good in our living room. I may have to make a trip to Ikea soon!I was impressed with the dining room. The centerpiece of fresh flowers was as beautiful a thing as I've ever seen.

The place settings for Victoria and Daniel were beautiful. One would be thrilled to be invited to dine with them!

They even had a royal dog bed in the bedroom! Tanner would love that!
He already thinks he's a prince!And the garage was perfect...gilded golf clubs, grill and hub cabs!And of course, our beautiful city was glistening today in the warm June sunshine. Hope the same will be true for Saturday. Sadly, rain is forecast.

Saturday the city will be crazy with people lining up along the route the newly married couple plan to travel after the ceremony in the Cathedral in Old Town. They will first travel by horse drawn carriage through the city, quite close to where we live actually, and finally by boat from Djurgården back to Old Town. I plan to join the madness in hopes of getting a live glimpse of the beautiful couple. Of course, I will set my DVR to catch all the action on TV and enjoy it from the comforts of my own home after fighting the crowded masses in the city!

A Blast From the Past!

Today, in the middle of Stockholm, I met up with two people who graduated from my high school in the same year that I did...1978. The woman, Kim Day (Bastick), who now lives in South Africa, was a very close friend of mine in high school but somewhere along the way, we lost track of one another. Through the magic of Facebook, we re-connected on-line several months ago and it has been great getting some glimpses of her life. The man, John Gatchell, I did not know nor remember from high school. But again, through the magic of Facebook, he and Kim "friended" one another and from there proceeded to begin a brand new kind of real friendship that eventually led to Kim arriving in Stockholm to meet him and get some real face time, not just Facebook time! In our conversation today, John and I discovered that we grew up in homes that were in very close proximity. Our high school was quite large...about 550 kids in my graduating class, so it's not all that surprising that we didn't know one another. What is surprising is that some 32 years later, I am living in Stockholm and another person from my high school is living in Stockholm and another person from my high school, who now lives in South Africa, came to visit!
While it was certainly lovely to meet John and find out more about how things with him and Kim unfolded, it was amazing to reunite with Kim! I brought with me our senior year high school yearbook and we had some fun flipping through the pages. I had remembered that Kim and I first became good friends during our senior year Advanced Composition class with Mrs. Ching! I confess, I couldn't remember the teacher's name but looked her up in the yearbook! I loved that class and loved Mrs. Ching. She was a great writing teacher and it is kind of funny that Kim and I forged our friendship in that class as we both love writing and still dream of writing a book or two one day!
It was truly remarkable to sort of trace the past 32 years and figure out how we both ended up where we did and the twists and turns along the way. We've both had joy and both had heartache. It was so easy to talk. Felt like we just picked the sentence up right where we left it however many years ago. Very special when you experience that with a dear friend.
Kim has a 12 year old son, has survived colon cancer, buried both of her parents and still has sisters who live in Southern California. She ended up in South Africa after going down there to care for one of her sister's after she had been in a terrible car accident while on vacation. She was at a time in life where a change seemed like a good idea and one thing led to another and she got a job offer in Capetown! 20 years later, she still works for the same company.
Anyway...it was very fun to re-connect with people from my high school years. I've moved around so much, and my parents don't live where I grew up anymore so it means I don't really go back to that area very often. Not that many of classmates live there anymore anyway.
After attending my 30 year high school reunion 2 years ago, I have reconnected with a few people with whom I really had treasured relationships. And of course, through the magic of Facebook, I am getting glimpses of their lives on a regular basis.
I loved high school so my memories of that season in life are wonderful. Kim was a special friend to me. We became close friends quickly and shared our lives on a deep and abiding level. It was fun to read together what she had written in my yearbook! I would love to see what I had written in hers!
I am very thankful that she ended up in Stockholm for a visit with John and that we could share this afternoon together. I look forward to seeing what the next 32 years bring to each of our lives!

World Cup Fever

I know that global football, a.k.a. soccer in the USA is not the darling of spectator sport in the States. And admittedly, prior to moving to Europe, I would never have considered getting excited for a football tournament. But our environment does have a way of shaping us. This is my 3rd World Cup while living here in Sweden. We had been living in Sweden for 4 years when the buzz began in the summer of 2002. I paid very little attention to the buzz that year as I was still not a believer. Doug kept trying to convince me that this tournament is a very big deal, but hey, I was raised by an American Football coach. Soccer was portrayed as a communist subplot to take over the world. My interest was firmly planted in the not interested category. But admittedly, as the tournament wore on, I found myself catching on to the buzz. I realized that almost every single person at church was interested. We scheduled a board meeting on the night of one of the matches and almost had a mutiny on our hands! Luckily it was at our house and we let them put the game on! The south Korean team did really well and so the Korean pastor from church was just crazy with joy! The hotel that is attached to our church put big screens in the lobby and between services we figured out that people were running up to check the scores! It was through these experiences that I realized that football really does cross boundaries and bring people together. For one month every 4 years the entire world stops to cheer on their favorites. The pro football players return home and football fans all over the world get game after game of thrilling football.
I know that for people who haven't learned to follow soccer, they think the lack of scoring is a problem. I too think that major matches that are decided by shoot out are a disappointment. As for the scoring, when you learn a bit about the game (Doug has helped me a lot), you realize that it's not just the putting of the ball into the net that matters. It's all about the poetry on the field, the way in which the players move about, creating opportunities for the magic of a goal scored to take place. When you begin to see how a side sets up a scoring opportunity, it is so great to watch them execute it. Sometimes they score, sometimes they don't, but either way it's a thrill to see it unfold. Plus, it's really, really, really hard to score a goal in football and that's why when it happens, it's awesome.
So obviously, now I am a believer. In 2006 we were in Greece when the World Cup began and it was so amazing to see that every restaurant and bar had huge screens set up all over the place so that anyone could view what was happening at any time. We went to a sports bar where a lot of Swedes had gathered to watch what ended up being a dismal game for the Swedes. But the atmosphere was so much fun. And with the US doing so much better now, it's great that we actually have a chance to win a few games along the way. We held a World Cup Final Event at church in 2006 and it was wild. We played a big football game in the afternoon and everyone from 6-65 participated. Then we cooked up hot dogs and showed the game on the big screen. The fans were split about 50/50 and it was such a great atmosphere! We'll be doing the same this year so if you're in Stockholm on July 11, join us for the Immanuel Cup, bbq, World Cup Final extravaganza! I actually had a little football hangover when the World Cup ended last time. Suddenly, after a month long feast, it was all over and there were no more games to watch. I anticipate the same feeling this time, especially if the US and Argentina do well!
This year is unique because Sweden failed to qualify. It's been a source of national mourning here! Still...there is intrigue because the coach for the Nigerian team is Swedish! And TONIGHT is the big game between the US and England. I am really going to be rooting for the home town boys. My British friends aren't even giving us a chance so I hope we whip them! We have some Brits coming on over to watch with us. Should be great fun!
And for the Americans in our midst who think it's boring and silly, just consider for a moment that this is one arena where the world really does come together in a common way to compete on a global stage. This event brings so much joy and interest world-wide that in and of itself, that is enough reason to celebrate and at least seek to understand why the world loves football.

A Night at the Drottningholm Opera

The Drottningholm Palace, where the Royal Family actually reside, was bathed in the most lovely light as we arrived for our night at the Opera.

Once again I was treated to a magical night of Opera at the Drottningholm Opera where the music director is a member of our church. I was wearing a traditional African dress, made by a member of our congregation. It was much cuter without that silly sweater. Wish I had taken it off before we took the photo!

The theater was built in 1766 and has now been fully restored to its original glory. Check out the theater by clicking here. The staging props, costumes and music all transport you to another time and place. It is indeed magical. The evening itself was beautiful. My friend Sandra put together a beautiful picnic which we enjoyed on the lawn outside of the theater. The lovely Sandra amidst the well-heeled of Stockholm.

At intermission, we enjoyed our beautiful surroundings while checking out the many outfits and people that were taking in the Opera. At Intermission the musicians, dressed in period costumes, took a break from the 17th century to join the 21st century through the use of their cell phones.

We saw La finta giardiniera or the secret garden girl which is a seriously hilarious romp that includes rage, jealousy, mistaken identity but where of course, love prevails in the end. The stage action was at times brilliant and watching my dear friend Mark conducting the amazing music of Mozart made for a feast for all of my senses!
It was a good mental workout for me as well as I tried to watch Mark conduct, listen to the Italian, watch the stage action and read the overhead subtitles in Swedish!
The only downside is that in keeping things totally aligned with the original theater, the benches upon which we sit are terribly uncomfortable! But even so, the seats were front and center and I didn't really even mind the numbness of my backside by the time it all ended.
I feel lucky to be invited to partake of these wonderful aspects of Stockholm's cultural life. I am not an Opera fan by nature, but through Mark's involvement in this theater, I've come to look forward to enjoying the production each summer.
When we walked out after the show had ended, it was 10.30 and still light. As we walked out to the car, lurking just beyond the theater, was this magnificent sunset which caused us both to feel that an already perfect evening was ending with just a bit more magic indeed.

High School Graduation

Here in Sweden, when someone graduates from High School they call it Taking your Student: Ta Student! High School graduation is a big right of passage here in Sweden and there are some great traditions associated with it. First, the graduation hats look like captain's hats! The students wear these with pride around town as a symbol that they have completed their studies. Second, when the final day arrives, the Seniors all gather in the school and then at the allocated moment run out of the front door together! This is the Utspring (run out). Parents and family members and other close friends gather with signs that have a baby photograph of the graduate prominently displayed! Then, most importantly of all, the students get to ride around in an open top truck, blasting loud music, blowing whistles and cheering while a driver chauffeurs them all around town so that they can express their glee in graduating for all the town to hear! From the last week of May through the second week of June, we are constantly barraged by trucks, loud music with a blasting baseline and delighted, screaming students driving all around our neighborhood and throughout the city!
The students are so happy and it's fun to celebrate such a great accomplishment. This year, we went to one the student's utspring. It was fun to gather with his parents and sisters, and to be among the first to congratulate him and join in the festive atmosphere!We have been invited to several receptions for the students. Last week we attended a beautiful dinner for one of Eritrean students.
Notice the cake on the left is in the shape of the graduation hat!The food was awesome, the crowd warm and welcoming, and the graduate thrilled and happy. It was a pleasure to join the celebration. In the week ahead, we will attend a couple of more receptions and take joy in celebrating this great accomplishment of all our high school graduates.

Tennis Farewell Lunch

Another one of my Tuesday Tennis buddies is heading back to England. Boo. Makes me sad. That's Sue on the far left.

She's great fun to play with and her style is exactly opposite mine. She's dainty and delicate and flits about the court like a little bird. I'm a bit more like a gorilla, hitting the ball aggressively and with as much power as possible as often as possible! But Sue is a great player and she'll sting you with her accuracy, especially when you cheat off the alley!

The only good thing about her leaving is that another of our tennis buddies, Myriam, invited us to lunch at her fabulous home. She happens to be the wife of the Belgian ambassador so her home is quite lovely! And so is she!Sitting on the terrace with Myriam at the start of the lunch.As we gathered, we were offered champagne and snacks on the terrace. The day was perfect and the views were gorgeous.Bright sunshine streaming through the windows, water glistening from the terrace view, good friends gathered around good food. Myriam did a clever thing to seat us. She had placed a card with hearts at each setting. Then on our way into the dining room, we drew a card from her hand which was the same card in spades. Clever way to seat folks.Parting is such sweet sorrow, but the food at Myriam's is delicious. First course: Saffron infused tiger shrimp.Second course: Pork with a morel mushroom sauce that was TO DIE FOR! The plate was beautiful and delicious.

I forgot to take a picture of the dessert but the plum pie with vanilla ice cream was equally as satisfying as the first two courses:

There is something very special about being invited to dine with good friends in a beautiful place. It was so luxurious to leave work in the middle of the day and attend a three course, three hour luncheon complete with a champagne aperitif, white wine with the starter and red with the entree. Good thing I had decided to take the afternoon off!
The Tuesday tennis bunch are a great group of women that I've come to deeply appreciate in my life. We represent 8 countries: The U.S., Belgium, The Netherlands, England, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, and Germany. What fun to chat each week and enjoy the good, fun competition we love with one another.We clean up pretty well too! We always laugh about how different we look when we see one another in the "real world."
Of course, as part of the festivities, speeches were made to thank Myriam for the wonderful lunch and to bid farewell to Sue. I was chosen to do the bidding so in order to inject a bit of silliness to the sad affair of saying good-bye, I wrote a rap. No, I will not publish it here. It is easily the dopiest thing I've ever written or performed but it was fun! Let's just say that I'll be keeping my day job!
Here's the lovely Sue with her gifts displayed: A midsommar wreath and beautiful jewelry by the Swedish company Snö. Wendy the Aussie sports a smile next to her. This lunch is one of the very special things that I get to enjoy while living my Stockholm life. When else will I ever be invited to the residence of an ambassador? And when else will I ever keep company with the whole world? This I treasure. Thank you my friends. Myriam, thanks for a lovely day and Sue...I will miss you dearly.